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About Us

– more about the team –

About Us

– more about the team –

MAKE A LASTING IMPACT WITH YOUR SENIOR PHOTO SESSION

Mary O. is fast becoming the BEST AND MOST SOUGHT-AFTER senior portrait photographer in Central Texas! Why? She has traveled and photographed seniors and teens from all over the world, capturing their passions with photography. The images she has captured of young people have been nationally published and a selection of her history-making images has even been included in the Smithsonian!

 

So why does Mary O. photograph seniors? A senior is only a senior once. You get this is the ONE CHANCE to get it right. Senior portraits are such a HUGE part of your senior year and she wants to make this experience amazing for you! These moments need to be taken seriously. This is not the time to do it yourself or someone who takes “ok” pictures to take your pictures. NOW is the time to invest in these once-in-a-lifetime special memories.

 

Mary O. takes her work with seniors and young people very seriously. Revolutionizing what the photography industry thinks a “Rep” or “Model” program should be. She crafted her senior portrait experience and Model Team into a program designed to instill unshakable CONFIDENCE in her clients and help them realize how beautiful they really are. Through her mentorship and gorgeous images, young people get a huge boost of self-esteem right when they need it most!

 

She gives you an experience that other photographers can’t and her attention to detail means you are not just getting senior pictures… but also guidance to make sure that this experience is stress-free and fun! From consultation to, wardrobe planning and unique locations, to the installation of portraits in your home, you are going to love your experience.

 

My experience with Mary O. was so much more than just a typical senior photoshoot - their team made me feel so comfortable and beautiful!
My experience with Mary O. was so much more than just a typical senior photoshoot - their team made me feel so comfortable and beautiful!
about the team
Sarah Marie Jackson

Mary Oakes

Owner, Lead Photographer

I was born and raised in a military family. While I have lived in a lot of places, San Antonio will always be home. My photography journey began as a teenager traveling Europe with a camera in my pocket. It wasn’t until after my grandmother passed away in 1998, that I began to understand the importance of photography. I graduated with a BA in Psychology from Schreiner University, but it was my minor in photography that embodied my passion. In 2010, my passion became my livelihood.

 

I noticed early on that a severe lack of confidence embattles our youth and I set out to make a change in the world through my portrait experiences. I began to develop my first Model Team in 2017. I wanted to help Seniors develop unshakeable confidence, realize their beauty and self-worth, and be a visible presence serving in their community. It’s amazing what gorgeous images and a little community service can do for a young adult’s self-esteem! I love the high-energy sessions, and capturing personality through images.

 

I have been published in numerous magazines and books, and have art in the Smithsonian, I have been named the Best Photographer serving Selma, Texas in 2018, 2019, and 2021 and selected Best of Cibolo in 2021 and 2022. I have a SERIOUS addiction to lemon-aid, Sweetarts, French fries, and my hairdryer. I’m funny, sarcastic, compassionate, bossy, patriotic, slightly OCD, and have a servant’s heart. My best days are spent with my family sailing or somewhere I can put my toes in the sand or curl up with a good book.

LIGHT CHASER • PHOTO TAKER • Lemonaid Enthusiast

Daniel Oakes

Office Manager & Senior IT Manager

Working in the studio since he was 12, Daniel has always been an integral part of the Mary O. team. While he prefers to stick to the office and IT work, Daniel is often on hand at group sessions or events, holding reflectors and arranging equipment and doing paperwork. Daniel is also a very capable photographer. He got his first experience with a camera as a Boy Scout working on his merit badges. The photography merit badge was his final badge just before he was awarded the prestigious rank of Eagle. Further scouting influences have helped him develop an interest in drone photography. When he is not working with Mary O. he is furthering his education at the University of Texas at San Antonio or sailing one of his two sailboats.

batman obsessed • dog lover • Sailor

Nova & McKenna

Assistants in Mischief

Woof! Woof, woof, arrf! Woof woof woof woof. Arrrrrrf arrf. OWOOO WOOF!

Ball chasers • photo assistants • Bone fanatics

Let's be friends

@maryo.photography

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